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must-visit in SeattlePark & Garden

Gas Works Park

📍 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103, on the north shore of Lake Union
Gas Works Park
1 photos
4.7/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Seattle
Category
Park & Garden
Duration
1.5-2 hours
Address
2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103, on the north shore of Lake Union
Coordinates
47.6469, -122.3343

Introduction

Gas Works Park sits on the north shore of Seattle’s Lake Union, converted from a decommissioned gasification plant — one of the world’s rare industrial-ruin parks. Massive rusted towers and pipes are kept as sculptural landmarks, while open lawns overlook the skyline and kayakers on the lake. A beloved urban oasis for picnics, kite-flying and sunsets.

✨ Highlights

1
Industrial Towers
Preserved giant reactors and pipes in rust-red, a striking photo backdrop.
2
Great Lawn & Skyline
Hilltop lawns overlook downtown Seattle and the Space Needle — a classic city view.
3
Lake Union Views
Kayaks and paddleboards dot the water; downtown reflects on the lake.
4
Kite Hill
A grassy mound where colorful kites fly year-round.
5
Sunsets & Night
Unobstructed west views of lake sunsets and city lights.
6
Picnics
Wide lawns for picnics, dogs and gatherings (lake is polluted — no swimming).

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Season:Late spring–summer for green lawns; clear autumn also nice.
→Duration:2–3 hours
→Facilities:Restrooms, picnic tables, water; no food vendors.
→Caution:Lake is polluted — no swimming or boating.
→Transportation:Lake Union north shore, 2101 N Northlake Way. From downtown drive north on Westlake Ave N to N Northlake Way; a lot sits by the park. Metro stops nearby and the Burke-Gilman Trail runs past.

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday06:00-22:00
Tuesday06:00-22:00
Wednesday06:00-22:00
Thursday06:00-22:00
Friday06:00-22:00
Saturday06:00-22:00
Sunday06:00-22:00

From the Gas Works Park page on seattle.gov/parks (Seattle Parks and Recreation), checked 5 November 2026: the gates open at 6 am and close at 10 pm daily, with the same times all year. The park reuses the old gasification plant, its great mound is popular for kite flying, and the lawns look out over Lake Union and the downtown skyline, with a play barn, a sundial and picnic sites. The page lists 2026 large events: 7 August 12-9 pm small concert, 8 August 8 am-12 pm bike ride, 29 August 12-9 pm large concert and 26 September 12-9 pm small concert, when parts of the park are managed. The page also states that Lake Union sediment contains hazardous substances, so swimming, fishing, wading and boat launching from the park are prohibited (SMC 18.12.070).

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Free AdmissionFree entry, no admission charge

The Seattle Parks and Recreation park page lists no admission fee. Picnic areas and outdoor ceremonies inside the park can be booked separately through the city park system, and those site fees are charged on top; the page gives no parking price. Swimming, fishing, wading and boat launching on Lake Union are prohibited year round.

💡 Tips

• Free park — great for picnics and kite-flying; bring a blanket and water.
• It’s windy by the lake; bring a jacket as evening cools.
• Lawns are for sitting, but do not enter the water.
• Sunsets are the most photogenic time to visit.
• Parking is tight on weekends — take transit or bike.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Gas Works Park?

Monday: 06:00-22:00; Tuesday: 06:00-22:00; Wednesday: 06:00-22:00; Thursday: 06:00-22:00; Friday: 06:00-22:00; Saturday: 06:00-22:00; Sunday: 06:00-22:00; From the Gas Works Park page on seattle.gov/parks (Seattle Parks and Recreation), checked 5 November 2026: the gates open at 6 am and close at 10 pm daily, with the same times all year. The park reuses the old gasification plant, its great mound is popular for kite flying, and the lawns look out over Lake Union and the downtown skyline, with a play barn, a sundial and picnic sites. The page lists 2026 large events: 7 August 12-9 pm small concert, 8 August 8 am-12 pm bike ride, 29 August 12-9 pm large concert and 26 September 12-9 pm small concert, when parts of the park are managed. The page also states that Lake Union sediment contains hazardous substances, so swimming, fishing, wading and boat launching from the park are prohibited (SMC 18.12.070).

How much is the admission for Gas Works Park?

Free Admission: Free entry, no admission charge; The Seattle Parks and Recreation park page lists no admission fee. Picnic areas and outdoor ceremonies inside the park can be booked separately through the city park system, and those site fees are charged on top; the page gives no parking price. Swimming, fishing, wading and boat launching on Lake Union are prohibited year round.

Any practical tips for visiting Gas Works Park?

Free park — great for picnics and kite-flying; bring a blanket and water. It’s windy by the lake; bring a jacket as evening cools.

How long should I spend at Gas Works Park?

A typical visit takes 1.5-2 hours.

Hours come from the Gas Works Park page on the City of Seattle domain seattle.gov (Seattle Parks and Recreation), checked 5 November 2026, which lists 6 am to 10 pm; the site CDN returned 403 to direct requests, so the page text was read through a search index. The park keeps the same hours all year with no seasonal shift, sunsets come late in summer and early in winter, and event days bring partial closures. The shoreline is closed to swimming and fishing year round.

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